France: Bordeaux to La Rochelle

Depart from home for France. The particulars of your arrival overseas are detailed with your flight itinerary.

Upon arrival at the Bordeaux Merignac airport, claim your luggage and clear customs. If your luggage is lost, you must fill out a PIR form before leaving the customs area; VBT representatives are not allowed into the customs area. Also, make sure that your VBT luggage tags are attached to your bags so that your representative can identify you.

VBT’s local representative will meet you outside the customs area in your arrival terminal and will be holding a VBT sign. They will help you transfer by private car (approximately 30 minutes) to your hotel in Bordeaux to begin your trip. Your hotel room may not be available until 3:00 p.m. If you arrive early, you may store your luggage with the reception desk.

If you are going to be delayed meeting our transfer representative for more than 15 minutes due to delayed or lost luggage, please note that our drivers are generally able to wait for up to 45 minutes from the time your flight lands, after which you will be responsible for your own transfer. However, they might be able to reschedule your transfer if they are aware of the delay. Please contact our One Call travel assistance to advise of your delay, and they will contact our transfer service.

You have the rest of the day free to explore Bordeaux. You might visit the Water Mirror, the world’s largest reflecting pool and an urban oasis offering beautiful reflections of the stately Place de la Bourse. Visit La Cité du Vin, a new museum that celebrates wine. Explore the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the cathedral, a marvel of Gothic architecture. Wander the shady lanes of the Jardin Public. And enjoy dinner on your own among the cafés and restaurants that earned the city designation as France’s best food city—ahead of both Paris and Lyon—by the prestigious foodie website Atabula in 2017.

Hotel: Hôtel Mercure Bordeaux Cité Mondiale Centre Ville

Meet your VBT representative/driver at the hotel in Bordeaux at 12:30 p.m. You will transfer by motorcoach (approximately two hours) to La Primavera Hotel and Restaurant. Please plan to buy lunch on your own before this transfer.

La Primavera Hotel and Restaurant is a welcoming, three-star, family-run oceanfront hotel. Perched on the cliffs of the Atlantic overlooking fine sand beaches, this quiet coastal retreat is a perfect place to relax and unwind. In the afternoon, you’ll join your Trip Leaders for a safety and bike-fitting session, followed by a short warm-up ride along quiet country roads. Later, gather with the group for a welcome cocktail reception on the terrace. Dinner is at the hotel.

Hotel: La Primavera Hotel and Restaurant
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today’s Ride Choice:
Cumulative Range: 6 km (4 miles)
Afternoon
Warm-Up: 6 km (4 miles)

What to Expect: Take an easy loop ride starting on the path along the ocean and then through small villages back to your hotel. Except for one moderate hill, the route is mostly flat. The mileage is short, but you can extend it if you wish by cycling to the town center of Saint-Palais and/or to La Grande Côte, a beautiful and famous beach (approx. 0.87 miles/1.4 km from the hotel), passing cafés and terraces along the way.

Your morning begins with a spin along La Vélodyssée, a bike route known for its unspoiled landscapes. Your route follows a coastline called La Côte de Beauté, or beautiful coast. This estuary, where the Gironde river flows into the Atlantic Ocean, is the largest in Europe.

As you enter Royan, you’ll see a memorial to the heroes of the Frankton Operation of World War II. In December 1942, an officer of the British Royal Marines and 11 volunteers from this elite corps carried out a commando raid against German ships in Bordeaux, paddling upriver at night from Royan to Bordeaux. Only two survived.

From Royan, you’ll follow another scenic coastal route, Canal des 2 Mers, to Meschers-sur-Gironde. Once a sleepy fishing village, Meschers-sur-Gironde is now a pretty resort town set between forest and the sea. Here, you’ll have a chance to explore the Caves of Regulus and Matata—troglodyte caves cut into chalky limestone outcroppings that, through history, have sheltered pirates, plunderers, and Protestant refugees.

From here, you’ll pedal along the ocean to Talmont-sur-Gironde, a lovely and well-preserved village founded in 1284. Today, the village is recognized as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France.” Admire the 12th-century Church of Sainte-Radegonde, whose Romanesque façade defines the skyline, stroll narrow streets lined with charming white houses adorned with roses and hollyhocks. Here enjoy lunch and a wine tasting at Les Hauts de Talmont.

Afterward, cycle or shuttle back to your hotel, where you can relax at the wonderful pool, go swimming in the ocean or take a coastal walk into the charming resort nearby.

Tonight, join your hosts at La Primavera on the terrace for dinner at the hotel.

Hotel: La Primavera
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s Ride Choices:
Cumulative Range: 7 – 54 km (4 – 34 miles)
Morning
Saint-Palais-sur-Mer to Meschers-sur-Gironde: 21.5 km (13 miles)
Meschers-sur-Gironde to Talmont-sur-Gironde: 7 km (4 miles)
Afternoon
Talamont-sur-Gironde to hotel: 25 km (16 miles)

What to Expect: Today’s route is almost entirely on paved roads with some car traffic. From the hotel to Royan, you will ride the La Vélodyssée bike route for 9.9 km (6.1 miles), then roll along the Canal des 2 Mers for 20.4 km (12.7 miles) to Talmont-sur-Gironde. Please note that, when the path is on a sidewalk shared with pedestrians, the pedestrians always have the right of way. Also, be sure to check for traffic and pedestrians at intersections and be mindful of curbs.

The van shuttle back to the hotel is available if you prefer to pass on the afternoon ride.

This morning, you’ll say goodbye to your hosts at La Primavera and ride the La Vélodyssée bike route through countryside and thick pine forest and along the Atlantic coast. The oysters and mussels that abound in the waters off this coast are world-renowned for their quality. View marshes and oyster farms as you spin toward La Tremblade and enjoy a lunch showcasing these delicious shellfish.

Next, discover Brouage, where the ramparts of Cardinal Richelieu’s citadel still stand, overlooking what once was a thriving harbor. The harbor silted up during the 17th century, however, desolating the village below. Today, it is a peaceful community of villagers cultivating the mussel beds. Brouage is also famous as the birthplace of Samuel de Champlain, the navigator who opened Arcadia and Quebec to settlement by the French.

Later, continue cycling to the Transporter Bridge, built between 1898 and 1900 by French engineer Ferdinand Arnodin orshuttle to the historic town of Rochefort. Founded as a naval base during the 17th century, Rochefort boasts a well-preserved Old Town with narrow streets, museums, galleries, boutiques, parks and gardens—and the occasional costumed villager. Here, you’ll settle into your hotel. As you enjoy dinner at your hotel restaurant, you can gaze at passing boats on the Charente estuary.

Hotel: Mercure Rochefort La Corderie Royale Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s Ride Choices:
Cumulative Range: 20 – 72 km (12 – 45 miles)
Morning
Saint-Palais-sur-Mer to La Tremblade: 30 km (19 miles)
Afternoon
La Tremblade to Brouage: 20 km (12 miles)
Brouage to Rochefort: 22 km (14 miles)

What to Expect: This morning’s route is mostly very gently rolling terrain. Some sections along the Atlantic Ocean follow narrow paved roads with some car traffic. You will cycle small roads through the marshes of the oyster-farm region of Marennes-Oléron.

This morning enjoy a leisurely breakfast before you begin cycling to Fouras on sections of La Vélodyssée and La Flow Vélo bike routes. You might pause en route to view a replica of Rochefort’s most famous ship, L’Hermione, which General Lafayette sailed in 1780 to support the American Revolution and which foundered in 1793. The replica was constructed in 1997. Note – L’Hermione may be at sea and not available to visit.

Then, spin along the Charente River and on country roads, passing canals, meadows, and villages en route to the charming seaside town of Fouras. Located on a small peninsula on the Charente-Maritime coast, Fouras attracts visitors for its beautiful beaches and pretty Belle Epoque villas. Here, you’ll find a lovely oceanfront promenade, beaches, a polygonal tower, a covered market, and boutiques. Explore this gem of a town at your leisure and enjoy lunch on your own.

After lunch, cycle back to Rochefort, where you’ll enjoy an included visit to La Corderie Royale. This 17th-century royal rope-making factory was nearly destroyed during World War II. Today, it is a historic monument and International Centre of the Sea.

Dinner is on your own tonight.

Hotel: Mercure Rochefort La Corderie Royale Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Today’s Ride Choices:
Cumulative Range: 18 – 48 km (11 – 30 miles)
Morning
Rochefort to Fouras: 30 km (19 miles)
Afternoon
Fouras to Rochefort: 18 km (11 miles)

What to Expect: Some sections of today’s route are unpaved. The morning ride traces the Charentes River, then continues on flat, easy country roads to the town of Fouras. The afternoon route is similar with scenic variations.

After breakfast, cycle to the historic town of La Rochelle. Dating to the 10th century, this magnificent port town welcomes you with two iconic 14th-century towers and a harbor lined with elegant buildings. Today, the harbor serves as the yachting center of France’s Atlantic coast. Here, you’ll meet a local guide for a walking tour of the town. Take in panoramic views of the sea as you stroll its ancient ramparts, and explore the town’s winding cobblestone streets, medieval churches, and shops. Pause along the Atlantic Ocean in Les Boucholeurs or Chatellaillon for lunch on your own.

Then, rejoin your Trip Leaders for a shuttle or ride to Saint-Martin-de-Ré, which is notable for its star-shaped, 17th-century ramparts. This UNESCO World Heritage site, whose charming fortifications, half-timbered houses, colorful shutters, historic monuments, and donkeys in trousers are sure to captivate you.

Enjoy a short stroll through the cobbled streets to your hotel, where you may relax or swim in the pool before sipping a house cocktail. You may also arrange for a spa treatment (advanced reservations recommended). Dinner is on your own tonight in Saint-Martin-de-Ré, where choices abound.

Hotel: La Baronnie Hotel and Spa
Meals: Breakfast

Today’s Ride Choices:
Cumulative Range: 13 – 84 km (8 – 52 miles)
Morning
Rochefort to Les Boucholeurs: 46 km (29 miles)
Afternoon
Les Boucholeurs to La Rochelle: 13 km (8 miles)
La Rochelle to Saint-Martin-de Ré: 25 km (16 miles)

What to Expect: Enjoy countryside roads and coastal views for most of today’s ride. As you leave Rochefort, you’ll ride mostly on flat, paved roads, with a few stretches of cobblestone. Châtelaillon is a great place for lunch: cafés, restaurants, a covered market, and stores. The afternoon ride is a mix of country roads and secondary roads. The ride from La Rochelle to Ile de Ré includes a 3-km (1.9-mile) bridge with a protected bike path on either side.

During the 17th century, Ile de Ré was coveted by many for its position of military importance and its production of salt and wine, leaving a legacy of historic attractions and charming towns and villages that you can enjoy today. After a leisurely breakfast this morning, set off to explore the island. You’ll find that it was made for cycling! The island is flat, and its vineyards, pine forests and, at the more remote west end, oyster beds and salt marshes are crisscrossed with cycle paths that link its 10 small communities.

Start off your island excursion with the youngest village on the island, Saint-Clément-des-Baleines. Salt, wine, and fishing are the longtime mainstays of the economy here. A cyclist paradise, the bike paths take you past dry stone walls and fields of colorful wildflowers, including hollyhocks – the flower of the island. As you ride you may catch a whiff of sulphur from the salt marshes. Highlights of the village include the 15th-cenury locks, the local market, and the Phares des Baleines lighthouse, which you are welcome to climb for sweeping Atlantic views. Then, follow the bike path back to Saint-Martin.

Tonight, gather with your travel mates to sip an aperitif as the sun sets behind the horizon. Then, celebrate your journey and share reminiscences over a festive farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Hotel: La Baronnie Hotel and Spa
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today’s Ride Choices:
Cumulative Range: 21 – 45 km (13 – 28 miles)
Morning
Saint-Martin to Saint-Clément-des-Baleines: 24 km (15 miles)
Afternoon
Saint-Clément-des-Baleinesto Saint-Martin: 21 km (13 miles)

What to Expect: The entirety of today’s route follows flat terrain as you cycle toward La Flotte, Le Blois-Plage, and Saint-Clément-des-Baleines. Then, cycle back to Saint-Martin on bike paths and routes.

After breakfast, transfer by private motorcoach (approximately 45 minutes) to La Rochelle train station, arriving at approximately 10:30 a.m. Then, board a TGV train to Paris Gare de Montparnasse train station. Meet your VBT representative on the quay and walk to your centrally located Paris hotel, the Pullman Paris Montparnasse (we recommend a suitcase with wheels for ease of carrying) for a final overnight stay. You’ll arrive at approximately 2:06 p.m. and have the rest of the day to get acquainted with the city’s historic landmarks, shop, or relax in an outdoor café.

If you have chosen the independent Post-Trip Extension to Paris, you’ll remain at this hotel for the next two nights. Upon your arrival, a VBT Paris representative will be there to answer your questions. An optional orientation walking tour of the quartier will be offered. Check your VBT City Information for additional optional tour options.

Hotel: Pullman Paris Montparnasse
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast* this morning, you will transfer to the Paris airport (approximately 45 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic) for your departing flight**. Please ensure you are ready in the hotel reception area at the designated time.

* Please note: For guests with early-morning departures, breakfast at the hotel may not be available. Please check with the front desk to verify the times that breakfast is served.

** Please note: VBT recommends that you check your transfer time in your “Transfer Reminder.” VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests. If you extend your stay beyond the scheduled program dates, return transportation to the airport will be at your own expense.

Meals: Breakfast

If you arrive at our Bordeaux hotel later than 12:30 p.m. or if you would prefer to transfer to La Primavera Hotel and Restaurant independently, you must take a taxi at your own expense (approximately 250 euros/two hours). Please contact La Primavera Hotel and Restaurant to advise of any travel delays or changes, and the staff will pass your message on to your VBT Trip Leaders. Contact the hotel if you need help getting a taxi. Alternatively, you may consult the SNCF website https://www.sncf.com/ for train schedules from the Bordeaux-Saint-Jean train station to the Royan, France, SNCF train station (approximately 2 1/2-hour train ride, then taxi from Royan to La Primavera Hotel [6.8 miles/11 km], 15-30 euros). Please note that your train may arrive in Royan in the late afternoon, in which case you may miss the warm-up ride.

Hotel: La Primavera Hotel and Restaurant
Meals: Dinner

Today’s Ride Choice:
Cumulative Range: 6 km (4 miles)
Afternoon
Warm-Up: 6 km (4 miles)

What to Expect: Take an easy loop ride starting on the path along the ocean and then through small villages back to your hotel. Except for one moderate hill, the route is mostly flat. The mileage is short, but you can extend it if you wish by cycling to the town center of Saint-Palais and/or to La Grande Côte, a beautiful and famous beach (approx. 0.87 miles/1.4 km from the hotel), passing cafés and terraces along the way.

As you enter Royan, you’ll see a memorial to the heroes of the Frankton Operation of World War II. In December 1942, an officer of the British Royal Marines and 11 volunteers from this elite corps carried out a commando raid against German ships in Bordeaux, paddling upriver at night from Royan to Bordeaux. Only two survived.

From Royan, you’ll follow another scenic coastal route, Canal des 2 Mers, to Meschers-sur-Gironde. Once a sleepy fishing village, Meschers-sur-Gironde is now a pretty resort town set between forest and the sea. Here, you’ll have a chance to explore the Caves of Regulus and Matata—troglodyte caves cut into chalky limestone outcroppings that, through history, have sheltered pirates, plunderers, and Protestant refugees.

From here, you’ll pedal along the ocean to Talmont-sur-Gironde, a lovely and well-preserved village founded in 1284. Today, the village is recognized as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France.” Admire the 12th-century Church of Sainte-Radegonde, whose Romanesque façade defines the skyline, stroll narrow streets lined with charming white houses adorned with roses and hollyhocks. Here enjoy lunch and a wine tasting at Les Hauts de Talmont.

Afterward, cycle or shuttle back to your hotel, where you can relax at the wonderful pool, go swimming in the ocean or take a coastal walk into the charming resort nearby.

Tonight, join your hosts at La Primavera on the terrace for dinner at the hotel.

Hotel: La Primavera
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s Ride Choices:
Cumulative Range: 7 – 54 km (4 – 34 miles)
Morning
Saint-Palais-sur-Mer to Meschers-sur-Gironde: 21.5 km (13 miles)
Meschers-sur-Gironde to Talmont-sur-Gironde: 7 km (4 miles)
Afternoon
Talamont-sur-Gironde to hotel: 25 km (16 miles)

What to Expect: Today’s route is almost entirely on paved roads with some car traffic. From the hotel to Royan, you will ride the La Vélodyssée bike route for 9.9 km (6.1 miles), then roll along the Canal des 2 Mers for 20.4 km (12.7 miles) to Talmont-sur-Gironde. Please note that, when the path is on a sidewalk shared with pedestrians, the pedestrians always have the right of way. Also, be sure to check for traffic and pedestrians at intersections and be mindful of curbs.

The van shuttle back to the hotel is available if you prefer to pass on the afternoon ride.

Next, discover Brouage, where the ramparts of Cardinal Richelieu’s citadel still stand, overlooking what once was a thriving harbor. The harbor silted up during the 17th century, however, desolating the village below. Today, it is a peaceful community of villagers cultivating the mussel beds. Brouage is also famous as the birthplace of Samuel de Champlain, the navigator who opened Arcadia and Quebec to settlement by the French.

Later, continue cycling to the Transporter Bridge, built between 1898 and 1900 by French engineer Ferdinand Arnodin orshuttle to the historic town of Rochefort. Founded as a naval base during the 17th century, Rochefort boasts a well-preserved Old Town with narrow streets, museums, galleries, boutiques, parks and gardens—and the occasional costumed villager. Here, you’ll settle into your hotel. As you enjoy dinner at your hotel restaurant, you can gaze at passing boats on the Charente estuary.

Hotel: Mercure Rochefort La Corderie Royale Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s Ride Choices:
Cumulative Range: 20 – 72 km (12 – 45 miles)
Morning
Saint-Palais-sur-Mer to La Tremblade: 30 km (19 miles)
Afternoon
La Tremblade to Brouage: 20 km (12 miles)
Brouage to Rochefort: 22 km (14 miles)

What to Expect: This morning’s route is mostly very gently rolling terrain. Some sections along the Atlantic Ocean follow narrow paved roads with some car traffic. You will cycle small roads through the marshes of the oyster-farm region of Marennes-Oléron.

Then, spin along the Charente River and on country roads, passing canals, meadows, and villages en route to the charming seaside town of Fouras. Located on a small peninsula on the Charente-Maritime coast, Fouras attracts visitors for its beautiful beaches and pretty Belle Epoque villas. Here, you’ll find a lovely oceanfront promenade, beaches, a polygonal tower, a covered market, and boutiques. Explore this gem of a town at your leisure and enjoy lunch on your own.

After lunch, cycle back to Rochefort, where you’ll enjoy an included visit to La Corderie Royale. This 17th-century royal rope-making factory was nearly destroyed during World War II. Today, it is a historic monument and International Centre of the Sea.

Dinner is on your own tonight.

Hotel: Mercure Rochefort La Corderie Royale Hotel
Meals: Breakfast

Today’s Ride Choices:
Cumulative Range: 18 – 48 km (11 – 30 miles)
Morning
Rochefort to Fouras: 30 km (19 miles)
Afternoon
Fouras to Rochefort: 18 km (11 miles)

What to Expect: Some sections of today’s route are unpaved. The morning ride traces the Charentes River, then continues on flat, easy country roads to the town of Fouras. The afternoon route is similar with scenic variations.

Then, rejoin your Trip Leaders for a shuttle or ride to Saint-Martin-de-Ré, which is notable for its star-shaped, 17th-century ramparts. This UNESCO World Heritage site, whose charming fortifications, half-timbered houses, colorful shutters, historic monuments, and donkeys in trousers are sure to captivate you.

Enjoy a short stroll through the cobbled streets to your hotel, where you may relax or swim in the pool before sipping a house cocktail. You may also arrange for a spa treatment (advanced reservations recommended). Dinner is on your own tonight in Saint-Martin-de-Ré, where choices abound.

Hotel: La Baronnie Hotel and Spa
Meals: Breakfast

Today’s Ride Choices:
Cumulative Range: 13 – 84 km (8 – 52 miles)
Morning
Rochefort to Les Boucholeurs: 46 km (29 miles)
Afternoon
Les Boucholeurs to La Rochelle: 13 km (8 miles)
La Rochelle to Saint-Martin-de Ré: 25 km (16 miles)

What to Expect: Enjoy countryside roads and coastal views for most of today’s ride. As you leave Rochefort, you’ll ride mostly on flat, paved roads, with a few stretches of cobblestone. Châtelaillon is a great place for lunch: cafés, restaurants, a covered market, and stores. The afternoon ride is a mix of country roads and secondary roads. The ride from La Rochelle to Ile de Ré includes a 3-km (1.9-mile) bridge with a protected bike path on either side.

Start off your island excursion with the youngest village on the island, Saint-Clément-des-Baleines. Salt, wine, and fishing are the longtime mainstays of the economy here. A cyclist paradise, the bike paths take you past dry stone walls and fields of colorful wildflowers, including hollyhocks – the flower of the island. As you ride you may catch a whiff of sulphur from the salt marshes. Highlights of the village include the 15th-cenury locks, the local market, and the Phares des Baleines lighthouse, which you are welcome to climb for sweeping Atlantic views. Then, follow the bike path back to Saint-Martin.

Tonight, gather with your travel mates to sip an aperitif as the sun sets behind the horizon. Then, celebrate your journey and share reminiscences over a festive farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Hotel: La Baronnie Hotel and Spa
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today’s Ride Choices:
Cumulative Range: 21 – 45 km (13 – 28 miles)
Morning
Saint-Martin to Saint-Clément-des-Baleines: 24 km (15 miles)
Afternoon
Saint-Clément-des-Baleinesto Saint-Martin: 21 km (13 miles)

What to Expect: The entirety of today’s route follows flat terrain as you cycle toward La Flotte, Le Blois-Plage, and Saint-Clément-des-Baleines. Then, cycle back to Saint-Martin on bike paths and routes.

Meals: Breakfast